Content Filtering

On the web, information filtering, more commonly known as content filtering, is defined as a program feature that screens and denies access or availability to web pages or an email address. This process is often used by home computer owners, a great resource for parents who want to monitor their child’s activity on the internet. In most cases, content filtering functions by specifying character strings. If those strings match and indicate undesirable items, that content will be filtered out and prevented from reaching the end user. Content is generally screened for pornographic, hateful or violent material Programs that perform content filtering procedures are classified under “Web Filtering”. This includes the screening of web pages, email filtering for spam, worms, viruses and several other security threats. Critics of content filtering point out that these systems are not one hundred percent effective. They also claim that this type of feature is not necessarily required to screen undesirable content and actually prevents legitimate items from reaching the end user.